Masked Wolf has joined an elite new pack: APRA AMCOS’ one billion-streams club.
The Australian hip-hop artist (real name Harry Michael) and producer/songwriter Tyron Hapi are inducted into the PRO’s The 1,000,000,000 List for “Astronaut In The Ocean,” which has blasted past one billion streams across streaming services.
Released in 2019 via Teamwrk Records, the track went viral on TikTok in 2020 and was picked up earlier in the year by Elektra Records for the world (Teamwrk Records retains rights for Australia and New Zealand).
“Astronaut In The Ocean” impacted charts around the globe, hitting No. 6 on the Hot 100, No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and earning Chartbreaker status.
The two creators were presented with trophies earlier in the week at the APRA AMCOS offices. “I went out to celebrate 20 million streams because to me that was a goal and achievement,” explains Masked Wolf in a statement. “It’s crazy what can happen when you never give up and truly believe in yourself. One billion streams later I’m still the same person but am so grateful for this moment.”
Tyron Hapi produced and co-wrote the song. Its milestone, he explains, is “an incredible achievement and stepping stone for me. I appreciate everyone who listens and supports. Without my team this also wouldn’t have been possible. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
“Astronaut In The Ocean” is lifted from Masked Wolf’s debut LP, Astronomical, scheduled for release Sept. 10.
The 1,000,000,000 List is said to be the first award of its kind to acknowledge a songwriter’s achievement. Past recipients include Kevin Parker (for Tame Impala‘s “The Less I Know The Better”), Flume (for “Never Be Like You”), Troye Sivan and Alex Hope (for “Youth”), Tones And I (for “Dance Monkey”), 5 Seconds of Summer (for “Youngblood”), Starley and P-Money (for “Call On Me”), Vance Joy (for “Riptide”), Gotye (for “Somebody That I Used to Know”), and Vassy (for “Bad”).
The award takes into account plays from all major streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, YouTube Music, Vevo and Amazon.
Click here for the full list.
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